Unusual nail changes could signal serious health issues

Nails tell a lot about our health. Sudden changes in their appearance should prompt us to visit a doctor. What do different types of ridges, lines, and colour changes in the nail plate mean? An internist explains.

Dr. Bhavini Shah, writing for WalesOnline, warns about signs of diseases that appear on the nails. Although it is normal for them to become more brittle with age, there are certain changes that a specialist should examine.

- You should also consult a doctor if the skin around the nail becomes painful, red, swollen, and itchy, as this may indicate an infection - emphasizes the internist.

Spoon nails

Nails take on a shape similar to a spoon when there are significant iron deficiencies in our body, leading to anemia. The nail plate bends inward in this case. Dr. Bhavini Shah, speaking to WalesOnline, emphasized that this symptom often appears in women after pregnancy, when iron levels significantly drop. Other symptoms of anemia include headaches, pale skin, shortness of breath, and persistent fatigue.

Split nail tips and irregular plate

Are the tips of your nails delicate, splitting, breaking, and the plate wrinkled and changing colour? It is very likely that you have hyperthyroidism. This condition causes the thyroid gland to produce excessive amounts of hormones, which affects our health.

Brittle nails

Nails that break easily, split, and grow slowly? Are there white lines on the plate? These may be symptoms of hypothyroidism, where too few hormones are produced.

Red/purple lines

If you haven't hit your nail but see red or purple lines underneath, it could be a sign that you have heart disease.

White nails

If you notice that most of your nail is white, see a doctor. According to Dr. Shah, this is a symptom indicating potential liver problems. This is especially concerning if accompanied by loss of appetite, yellow skin, and unexplained fatigue.

Small indentations

Indentations and pits in the nails can be possible signs of skin conditions such as psoriasis or alopecia areata. In cases of eczema, the skin becomes dry, cracked, itchy, and painful.

Horizontal lines

- Deep lines or grooves on the nails are known as Beau's lines. This temporary nail growth disorder is usually caused by severe illness or infection. Some people developed Beau's lines after having COVID-19 - explains Dr. Shah in WalesOnline.

These symptoms can also occur when our overall health is not the best. Be sure to consult a doctor if you notice them.